Latest news with #WordsWithFriends
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
AI Keanu Reeves Reportedly Scammed Woman Out of $160K
Word of advice: if Keanu Reeves hits you up online, be very, very suspicious. That's a lesson a Florida woman unfortunately learned the hard way. In an interview with Fox 13 in Tampa Bay, Dianne Ringstaff shared that the grift began when she was innocently playing Words With Friends. Out of nowhere, she received a message from the John Wick star—or at least someone claiming to be him. Ringstaff was understandably skeptical. Her initial reaction to the unsolicited message was that 'It can't be' Reeves, she told Fox 13. 'Until he videoed me,' she explained. 'And I was like, oh my God, that's him!'"I couldn't believe it,' Ringstaff continued. 'It was him, but it was far away. But I thought it was him." While she still felt the whole scenario was a bit implausible, that video call and a series of phone calls over a two-and-a-half year period eventually convinced Ringstaff that she was indeed talking to The Matrix star himself. The two became phone friends and would chat here and there. This was the case for a long time before things took a scammy turn. But when they did, the Not Reeves' requests for cash became persistent. The person posing as Reeves claimed that he was being sued by a former manager and that he was facing a potential legal headache after the FBI allegedly planted drugs in his home. Bottom line, claimed the grifter, his assets had been frozen and he was in desperate need of Bitcoin and says she did press a bit further: 'I said, but why don't you have a bank account?' Whatever the answer, it was enough to convince her to help. 'I was vulnerable,' she said. 'I just lost my boyfriend. And then later that summer in 2022, my dog died.' So she decided to help—which entailed taking out a home equity loan and selling her car. All in all, she estimates that the perpetrator, who is believed to be using AI to pose as Reeves, collected approximately $160,000 from her. Just a month ago, local sheriffs came knocking at Ringstaff's door to let her know that she wasn't the only person being scammed—and that some of the other victims' money was actually being funneled through her bank accounts. 'I just broke down and cried,' admitted Ringstaff. Until she decided to take back control. 'I'm by myself,' she said. 'I didn't have anybody to talk to, to give me guidance. So then I got mad, and I started getting my things together, and now I'm on track to get back on track.' Ringstaff is also bravely speaking out and telling her story in order to prevent others from falling into the same trap. According to Fox 13, these so-called 'romance' scams are one of the most common types of fraud being perpetrated right now. And the easy availability of AI makes it possible for determined fraudsters to impersonate just about anyone, including one of the world's most popular action stars. 'Knowing what I know now and all the technology that's out there, [people] can fake voices and everything else,' Ringstaff warned. 'It will never happen again. But I just want to let people know not to be naive and stupid and do your research and don't give anybody your personal information unless you already know them.' AI Keanu Reeves Reportedly Scammed Woman Out of $160K first appeared on Men's Journal on May 26, 2025
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ridiculous reasons people have been kicked off planes from 10kg boobs to singing
From low-slung jeans to loud singing and even 10kg boobs, passengers have been kicked off flights for the most bizarre reasons. Here are some of the wildest stories from the skies Flying can test everyone's patience, but sometimes the reasons people get booted off flights just don't make sense. One particular flying tale probably takes the cake. A model claimed that her 10kg breasts got her kicked off a flight. Mary Magdalene, 25, says she was removed from a plane because of her 'explicit' look wearing leggings and a sports bra, but the airline claimed it was because she hadn't listened to instructions while wearing headphones. The model, who's had over £120,000 worth of cosmetic surgery, including breast enhancements, hit back on Instagram, saying: 'I was kicked off the flight for how I look... Obviously, [my outfit] is why she kicked me off because I look too explicit. But that's not legal, so she had to say it's because I was sleeping and wouldn't hear her.' Mary added that smaller-chested women wouldn't face the same treatment, calling the incident 'discrimination,' adding: 'It's not right to pick and choose who the rules apply to based on appearance/body type.' From giant boobs to baggy jeans, and mid-air singalongs to notes in Arabic, here are some of the most ridiculous stories of travellers getting kicked off planes. Billie Joe Armstrong kicked off for wearing low trousers Not even rock stars are safe. Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong was banned from a Southwest Airlines flight in 2011 for wearing his trousers too low. When told to pull them up, the singer reportedly quipped, 'Don't you have better things to do?' He was promptly escorted off and later tweeted, 'Just got kicked off a Southwest flight because my pants sagged too low!' The airline later apologised and offered a new booking. Alec Baldwin ejected for playing Words With Friends Actor Alec Baldwin was famously removed from an American Airlines flight after refusing to stop playing the smartphone game Words With Friends during take-off preparations. Baldwin vented on Twitter: 'Flight attendant on American [Airlines] reamed me out 4 playing WORDS W FRIENDS while we sat at the gate, not moving.' His spokesperson added: 'He loves WWF so much that he was willing to leave the plane for it.' Maybe he should have switched his phone off, but regardless, it's ridiculous all around. Passenger steals megaphone mid-flight During a WestJet flight from Toronto to Saskatoon, police were called after a cabin megaphone mysteriously disappeared. It turned out passenger Jake Michael Piasentini, 29, had stolen it, reportedly influenced by alcohol. The theft delayed the flight, and Jake faced a CAD $5,000 fine. 'Queen of the aeroplane' comment gets mum removed American traveller Nicki Gazley was removed from a Frontier Airlines flight after sarcastically calling a flight attendant 'the Queen of this aeroplane' during a disagreement over her baby carrier. Despite complying with requests to remove her son from an Ergo Baby Carrier, the flight attendant took offence and booted Nicki. Frontier Airlines stated that the FAA does not approve Ergo carriers for takeoff or landing. Tweet about 'drunk pilot' leads to ban Lisa Carter Knight was banned from a JetBlue flight after tweeting photos and comments suggesting the pilot was undergoing a sobriety test following a passenger's ill-judged joke about a 'drunk pilot.' Though the pilot passed the test, Lisa says she was still not allowed to board. JetBlue denied it was due to the tweets, explaining that passengers exhibiting disruptive behaviour can be removed. Whitney Houston fan forces emergency landing A passenger belting out Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You aboard a Los Angeles to New York flight was so disruptive that the pilot diverted to Kansas City to remove her mid-performance. Man kicked off flight for bad body odour A 27-year-old French passenger flying from Paris to Dallas was removed after the crew complained about his smell. Despite dousing himself in Dior perfume, the crew said his stench was too much. Police were called, and the passenger filed a complaint. American Airlines denied the odour claims, citing an issue with his US visa. 'Merry Christmas?' Not for this passenger A man travelling from Dallas to New York on American Airlines went into a rage after being wished 'Merry Christmas ' at the gate and again on board. After reprimanding staff for the greeting, he reportedly caused a scene and was removed, much to the relief and cheers of fellow passengers. Confused economist mistaken for a threat Most recently, Guido Menzio boarded a flight from Philadelphia to Syracuse only to be asked to leave after a passenger reported him for writing notes in what she thought was Arabic and found 'threatening.' Police kept the flight grounded for two hours before realising Guido was an Ivy League economist jotting down math equations for a talk. Teen removed after coughing fit delays flight On a Continental Airlines flight from Newark to Honolulu, a 16-year-old on a school trip was asked to leave after waking up with a coughing fit before takeoff. Although given water and cleared by the onboard doctor, the pilot refused to allow her and her teacher to fly. They had to find overnight accommodation and buy clothes and toiletries. Flying can be a rollercoaster ride, and it's always best to follow instructions and safety guidelines too. But as these wild tales show, sometimes even that's not enough to keep you in your seat. Whether it's baggy jeans or belting out a power ballad, you never quite know what might get you grounded. So, next time you board a flight, maybe leave the megaphone at home and smile extra brightly at the flight attendants.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What does Pope Leo XIV do to unwind? Hint: It involves 'Wordle'
Pope Leo XIV On May 8, 2025, the Roman Catholic Church witnessed a historic moment as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV . This landmark event marked the first time an American-born individual ascended to the papacy, signaling a new chapter in the Church's history. Beyond the ceremonial grandeur and theological significance, what has captivated many is the Pope's down-to-earth nature, exemplified by his fondness for playing word games like Wordle and Words With Friends. These glimpses into his personal life have endeared him to people worldwide, showcasing a relatable side to the pontiff. Pope Leo XIV's unexpected pastime: Playing Wordle and watching Conclave Amid the solemn responsibilities of his new role, Pope Leo XIV maintains a connection to everyday activities that resonate with many. According to his brother, John Prevost, the Pope enjoys playing word games like Wordle and Words With Friends, using them as a means to relax and unwind. These games have become a daily ritual, providing a sense of normalcy amidst the weighty duties of the papacy. In addition to his gaming habits, Pope Leo XIV watched the film "Conclave," which dramatizes the papal election process, shortly before his own election. This choice reflects his grounded nature and willingness to engage with contemporary culture. Robert F. Prevost: A lifetime of dedication to faith, justice, and leadership Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family with French, Italian, and Spanish heritage. His early life was marked by active participation in church activities, including serving as an altar boy and singing in the choir at St. Mary of the Assumption parish. He pursued higher education at Villanova University, earning a degree in mathematics, and later obtained advanced degrees in theology and canon law from institutions in the United States and Rome. Joining the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977, Prevost was ordained a priest in 1982. His missionary zeal led him to Peru, where he dedicated over two decades to pastoral work, focusing on social justice and uplifting marginalized communities. His leadership qualities were recognized when he was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order in 2001, a position he held until 2013. Ascension to the Papacy In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, and he became the diocesan bishop in 2015. His administrative acumen and commitment to the Church's mission led to his appointment as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023. Elevated to the College of Cardinals the same year, Prevost's influence within the Vatican grew, culminating in his election as Pope Leo XIV in 2025. Embracing modernity while upholding tradition Pope Leo XIV's election represents a blend of tradition and modernity. His pastoral experiences in Peru and administrative roles in the Vatican have equipped him with a global perspective. He is known for his moderate and inclusive views, emphasizing social justice and compassion. His choice of the papal name Leo XIV pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, known for his advocacy of workers' rights and social teachings.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pope's brother says they regularly do Wordle and shares more personal details about his life
Before he was Pope Leo XIV, he was Chicago native Robert Prevost, whose new role as the first American to lead the Catholic Church has thrown him and his family into the spotlight. The newly elected pope's brother John Prevost, who lives in the Chicago suburb of New Lenox, Illinois, said learning his sibling is now the pope has been a lot to absorb. 'I haven't had a moment to think about it. But it's totally unreal, totally surreal, and it's a tremendous, tremendous thing to take in, but it's something to be very proud of,' he told NBC Chicago on May 8, shortly after his brother's appointment. Leo is the youngest of three brothers. John Prevost, who is the middle son and one year older than the pontiff, spoke to the new pope right before the conclave, where the duo enjoyed some fun and games as a distraction. 'First, we do Wordle, because this is a regular thing, OK? Then we do Words With Friends. It's something to keep his mind off life in the real world,' he said. 'And then we talk about what's going on. And I said, 'Well, do you have your red socks?' That doesn't go over well all the time. And then just that kind of stuff.' Prevost, who worked as a Catholic school principal for 27 years, also said he asked his brother if he prepped for his big moment by taking in the movie 'Conclave.' 'And I said, 'Well, are you ready for this?' I said, 'Did you watch the movie 'Conclave,' so you know how to behave.' And he had just finished watching the movie 'Conclave.' So, he knew how to behave. So it's that kind of stuff because I wanted to take his mind off of it, laugh about something, because this is now an awesome responsibility.' And while Leo is now the 267th pope in history, his brother, who said he plans to go to Rome on May 9, explained he comes from humble roots. 'We all grew up in Dolton (Illinois). I think it was just a normal childhood,' Prevost said, noting his brother left for the Augustinian Seminary after eighth grade and was only really at home for summer, Easter and Christmas breaks. A life in religion seemed to be in the cards for the pope very early, too. 'I think he knew it by first grade that he was going to be a priest,' his brother said. 'And there was no question in anyone's mind. I think the question that our parents had was, 'Would you be a diocesan priest and work at a parish, or would you be an order priest,' which he chose, Augustinian.' As a Chicago native, there is also the question of what baseball team the pope cheers for, with early reports saying he supports the Cubs, but his brother said he actually likes the team on the South Side. 'Whoever said Cubs on the radio got it wrong. It's Sox,' he said. This article was originally published on
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I fell for a common online scam that ruined my life and drained my bank account... how to avoid being next
A woman from the Midwest is facing 29 years in prison and thousands in fines after becoming a pawn in a cybercriminal's $300,000 money laundering scheme. Jean was just playing Words with Friends, an online game, when she was contacted by two different gentlemen who quickly gained her trust without ever meeting her. The first man was able to make off with thousands of dollars after trapping Jean in a romance scam and convincing her that she was just loaning her new boyfriend some money. However, the next scam took things to another level, tricking Jean into becoming a 'money mule,' unknowingly transferring illegally obtained cash for the cybercriminal. While the unseen scammers will likely get away scot-free, Jean is now in an expensive legal battle to keep herself out of jail. Unfortunately, Jean fell for some of the most common and devastating schemes used by online criminals. In both cases, she was tricked by the sense of urgency the scammers placed on her. Then, she allowed them to move the conversation to a messaging platform like WhatsApp or Telegram that couldn't be traced by police. Once isolated, she sadly failed to verify the trust and love she put in these gentlemen by researching whether they were actually real people. Jean said she lived independently and was financially comfortable, adding that she's the type to triple-check her passwords and watches documentaries on scam. During a session of Words with Friends, the multi-player mobile crossword game, a man reached out to Jean claiming that he had read her online profile and found her elegant and intriguing. The man's profile showed a handsome, worldly gentleman who allegedly worked in the oil industry. Jean said she was flattered, but cautious. She'd heard the warnings about online romance scams. However, the man wasn't pushy. He was patient, kind, and attentive. Within days, they were chatting regularly. A short while later, he asked if they could move their conversation to WhatsApp. 'It's encrypted,' he said. 'More private. Safer from hackers.' Jean noted that it made sense to her as she was familiar with privacy concerns. She trusted his logic and said she felt there was a connection between them grounded in mutual respect. The scammer even remembered little details she mentioned. He'd ask about her day and told her about his work. The online friendship quickly became an online romance. That's when the first request arrived. The man Jean was falling for was allegedly having trouble accessing one of his business accounts while overseas and asked if she could help cover a temporary shortfall. She sent a few thousand dollars which he promised to pay back the loan within days. Jean said she thought it was one-time thing and wired the money. Unfortunately, it wasn't a one-time thing. New complications supposedly arose, including a delayed wire, a locked account, and a foreign tax mix-up. Jean confessed that she became emotionally invested in making the romance work out and kept sending the money - but never saw it again. At that point, another gentleman contacted Jean with an investment opportunity. He showed her the potential to make large amounts of money investing in stocks and cryptocurrency. Despite what just happened with her online romance, the sales pitch convinced Jean. She set up an account and made a small investment. She was given a login to the account and could see her money growing rapidly, encouraging her to invest even more money. When she wanted to take some of the money out, the scammer claimed there were all sorts of 'fees and taxes' that he needed to be paid to retrieve the profits. After voicing her frustration, the man said he would 'help her' if she would help his other clients convert US dollars to Bitcoin to send to their investment accounts. He then promised to share his commissions with Jean to help pay the fees and taxes on her own investments. The scammer claimed that large amounts of cash needed to be converted to Bitcoin, but he couldn't do it directly because of international restrictions. However, Jean could. She didn't know it at the time, but she had just become a money mule. Over the next several months, Jean converted large sums of cash into Bitcoin on the scammer's behalf. She believed she was helping him complete urgent financial transactions for legitimate clients. She never took a cut, never questioned the process. Jean even paid the conversion fees from her personal funds. She thought she was doing a favor for a friend, until the Secret Service arrived at her home and told her she had been tricked into taking part in a money laundering scheme. Jean lost over $200,000 and is now under indictment. She's facing up to 29 years in prison and $500,000 in fines. The online scam victim has already spent $250,000 in legal fees trying to stay out of prison and said she still hasn't emotionally recovered from the betrayals. Despite Jean's cautious nature and fear of online scams, the cybercriminals still found a way to exploit her after she failed to remember these crucial tips. Never, ever send or move money for someone you've never met in real life. If you haven't shared a meal or made eye contact in person, you shouldn't be sharing your bank account details with them. If someone asks you to convert cash into Bitcoin, run. It's a favorite tool of scammers because once the crypto's gone, it's virtually untraceable. Urgency is the biggest red flag. If you hear phrases like 'Don't tell anyone' or 'This has to happen right now,' stop. It's a manipulation tactic often used in romance schemes. Watch for requests to shift the messaging platform. If the conversation starts on Facebook but they quickly want to move to WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, it's likely because those apps are harder to trace. Finally, trust your gut but also verify. Do a reverse image search on someone's profile pictures. Talk to a friend or email me. Love might be blind, but your browser isn't. Confirm that the person's pictures are real. Jean hopes her pain saves someone else from going through the same nightmare. She said if it could happen to her, it could happen to anyone.
